Al Nahda

Al Nahda sits on the Dubai side of the Sharjah border, north east of the airport, and is one of the densest and most affordable apartment districts in the city. Al Nahda Pond Park is its main open space.

The stock is almost entirely apartment buildings, many of them large, with retail at street level and a very high residential density. Almost nothing here is a villa or a townhouse: if you are searching for ground floor outdoor space, Al Nahda is not the district to look in, but if you want a one, two or three bedroom flat at the lowest rent available this close to Sharjah, it is one of the first places to check.

Al Nahda 1 and Al Nahda 2, and a short history

Al Nahda is bordered by Al Qusais to the south and east and Al Mamzar to the west, and construction on Dubai's side of the border began in 2000. The district splits into two numbered halves: Al Nahda 1, built up with apartment blocks, offices, shops, Al Mulla Plaza and several sports venues, and Al Nahda 2, which mixes commercial and residential buildings around Al Nahda Pond Park, with schools, university campuses and hotels. Around 67,000 people live across the two halves, in just over 3 square kilometres, one of the highest densities on this list. Most of that growth has been steady rather than sudden: Al Nahda filled in block by block over two decades rather than arriving as a single master planned phase, which is why the mix of building ages and standards is wider here than in a newer community.

Schools, clinics and mosques

Nurseries in the area include Pristine Rainbow, British Orchard, Singing Birds and Chubby Cheeks, and schools include The Central School, Pristine Private School, The Sheffield Private School and Dubai Carmel School, with Higher Colleges of Technology for higher education. Healthcare is covered locally by NMC Specialty Hospital, NMC Medical Centre Al Nahda, Prime Medical Centre and several Aster clinics. Mosques include Al Zarooni Grand Mosque and Al Nahda Mosque. Between the two halves, most of what a resident family needs day to day, schooling, a clinic, a mosque and a supermarket, is within a short drive rather than requiring a trip into central Dubai.

Who does Al Nahda suit?

People who work in Sharjah or eastern Dubai and want the lowest rents available without leaving the emirate, and families who accept density in exchange for space indoors. It is a long stay area: many residents remain for years.

It suits anyone commuting to Dubai Marina, Media City or Downtown poorly. The peak traffic on that route is the area's defining drawback, and it is worth driving it yourself at the time you would actually commute before signing anything, rather than relying on an off peak estimate.

What is nearby?

• Al Nahda Pond Park, one of the larger public parks on that side of the city.
• Al Nahda and Stadium metro stations on the green line, both within reach.
• Al Mulla Plaza and Sahara Centre, the largest mall in the emirate of Sharjah, for everyday and larger shopping.
• Rashid Stadium and Al Ahli Club, plus Dubai Women's College in Al Nahda 2.
• Al Mamzar Beach Park, a short drive.
• Al Qusais and Hor Al Anz as neighbours.

What should you check before renting?

• Traffic at the border crossing at your actual commuting time. This is the single most important check in Al Nahda.
• The specific building, since standards and management vary widely.
• Parking, which is scarce in the denser blocks.
• Whether chilled water is included in the rent.
• Air conditioning age, which decides your summer comfort and bills.
• Which side of the border your daily errands fall on, since Sharjah and Dubai prices, rules and services differ even though the drive between them takes minutes.

Is it worth considering as an investment?

Rents are low and occupancy is high, which produces solid gross yields, but ownership options are limited compared with freehold districts and buildings are generally older. Investors comparing this part of Dubai usually end up looking at freehold stock in Al Jaddaf instead, where ownership rather than a long term tenancy is actually available.

Frequently asked questions

What is available now?

We may have nothing listed in Al Nahda today. Use the form on this page to tell us what you need and we will come back to you, or browse what we currently hold to rent.